Setback for Australia as Catley and Raso Miss Asian Cup Quarter-Final

On Thursday Australia encountered a major blow with prominent players Hayley Raso and Steph Catley excluded from their Women's Asian Cup quarter-final encounter versus North Korea in Perth.

The home side was already up against a formidable challenge from a youthful and robust team positioned six ranks higher at ninth worldwide.

Catley who defends for Arsenal and Raso who strikes for Eintracht Frankfurt are both managing concussion effects and manager Joe Montemurro confirmed they will sit out.

"They are improving nicely. They came quite near to recovery but they will not feature in the lineup versus North Korea" he shared with journalists prior to Friday's matchup at Perth Rectangular Stadium.

"We possess ample reserves in our group and we have confidence in those stepping up to contribute.

"We genuinely feel that by performing our style effectively we shall manage well."

Courtney Nevin seems set to replace Catley while Amy Sayer could step in for Raso.

Australia seeks to claim the cup for the initial occasion since 2010.

Captain Sam Kerr the lone holdover from the group that overcame North Korea through spot kicks in the championship match noted they understand the challenge from their adversaries.

"They favour extensive running they are combative they persist relentlessly" stated the Chelsea attacker.

"Each occasion we have faced them it proved challenging. They apply fierce pressure upfront. They pursue us vigorously. And it has always been a grueling affair.

"And I reckon that come tomorrow if we lack preparation for the contest it means defeat for us. Yet we must gear up."

Their prior meeting occurred in 2016 amid Rio Olympics qualifying where Australia secured a 2-1 victory via efforts from Michelle Heyman and Katrina Gorry both present in the existing lineup.